ABU DHABI(Realist English) . The UAE has officially classified the incident on Flydubai flight FZ1073 as a planned suicide terrorist attack. UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that the 29-year-old co-pilot, an Omani citizen, intended to direct the aircraft at the passenger terminal of Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The goal was maximum casualties.
Key findings of the investigation
Preparation for the terrorist attack. According to the UAE prosecutor’s office, the suspect made two previous trips to Tel Aviv. He studied the route and the airport. These flights are considered a stage of preparation for the attack. He began carrying it out on September 30, 2026, during the third flight.
Radicalization. The investigation established: the suspect’s radicalization began in 2017, when he was studying in Australia. He was influenced by extremist literature and online content. He was also inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks in the US. During interrogation, he linked his decision to go into aviation with the intention of carrying out a similar attack.
Circumstances of the attack. On September 30, 2026, the suspect caught the commander off guard in the cockpit. He attacked him with an emergency axe. The commander resisted and tried to call for help. The pilot assigned to the return flight was near the cockpit. He noticed the unusual opening and closing of the door. He entered by code and saw the attack. Together with the flight attendant and passengers, he subdued the attacker.
Confession. The suspect gave detailed confessional testimony in the presence of a lawyer. Procedural guarantees were observed. He stated: he acted alone, without accomplices. However, the investigation continues to verify this version and possible connections.
Context and reaction
Background. The suspect had been suspended from flying at Oman Air due to concerns about radical views. He was later hired by Flydubai. During hiring, he passed standard security checks. They did not reveal signs of extremism.
Israel’s reaction. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: the attacker had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination.” He “intended to crash the plane with all the passengers.” Netanyahu promised: those who directed him “will pay a very high price,” if any are identified.
Heroic actions. Captain Smit Machchhar, despite serious wounds, opened the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and crew to intervene. Two reserve Flydubai pilots who were on board as passengers took control. They landed the plane in Tabuk (Saudi Arabia). UAE Presidential Adviser Anwar Gargash called the captain’s actions worthy of “every appreciation.”
Technical details
According to Flightradar24 data, the aircraft lost more than 14,000 feet (more than 4,200 meters) in less than 30 seconds. There were 174 people on board. The majority were Israeli citizens. After the incident, Flydubai suspended all flights to and from Israel.
